Improvement in self-closing telegraph-keys



G. SOUTHARD.

sELF-cmsma TELEGMPH KEYS. .1\1, 180,559 Patented A1191, 1a7e.

INVENTDH- Errea.

GEORGE SOUTHARD, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA'.

IMPROVEMENT IN SELF-CLOSING TELEGRAPH-KEVS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 180,669, dated August 1, 1876; application led d January 3, 1876.

thus preventing' the key from being left openI by mistake or carelessness.

Figure l represents a side view ot' an ordinary telegraph-key, showing the improved automatic attachment with the circuit close-d. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a side view, same as in Fig. 1, showing the circuit-closer open, as it would appear while operating the key. Fig. 4 represents a sectional view taken through the line c cl of Fig.2, showing more fully the manner of making the-connection between the insulated post and the bed of the key or post that is not insulated.

Fig. 5 represents another form of the insulated end ofthe circuit-closer. Figs. 6 and 7 represent right and left circuit-closers, arranged to `operate on either side of the key-lever. Fig.

S represents a section ot' the key-lever, showing a clamp, to which is attached the circuitcloser, also shown in Fig. 7.

A represents the table. B is the bed ofthe telegraph-key,provided with uprights O C on each side, in which operate the pivot-screws and binding-nuts D E, and support the lever F by means ot' the pivot-bar F. The lever F is also provided at one end with the insulatingknob K, and at the other end with the adjusting-screw H and jam-nut G. To one end ot' the base B is secured the post J, and at the other end of the base is secured theinsulated post O O', all arranged to operate in the ordinary manner. My improved circuit-closer is represented by the letters It L N, and is arranged with the insulated part R in any desired form for convenience. In Figs. l, 2, and

3 the insulated part B. is represented as encircling` the insulated knob K of the lever F, with a pivot-joint at M with the lever. In Figs. 5, 6, and 7 the insulated part R is arranged so as to be adapted either to the right or left side ot' theknob-lever F. L N represent the metallic end, which is formed so as to make positive connections with'the insulated head O of the post O', and the bed B or post J ot' the key. The piece P1 is formed with an inclined plane or projection, P, and is secured to the bed B by the screw P2, (shown in Fig. 2,) either on the right or left side of the lever F, as may be required.

The end ot' the circuit-closer N is designed to be wedge-shaped, and is arranged to drop between the inclined projection P and the inclined edge ofthe top O ot' theinsu'lated post O', and make a positive connect-ion between them,

and prevent the key from being` left open, which often causes much trouble, especially in railroad-telegraphing, where, if a key is left open by accident or carelessness, it often leaves the wires in a condition not to be operated for considerable time, which cannot be the result with my improved circuit-closer.

I claiml. An attachment f'or telegraph-keys, consisting of a lever having an insulated end, R, and beveled end N, adapted to be hung to the lever of the instrument, and the plate P1, having a projection, P, and adapted to be secured to the base ot' the instrument, as and for the purpose described.

Z. The combination of the lever F, lever It L N, hung to the side ofthe lever F, and plate P1, having a projection, P, and secured to the base-plate, as set i'orth.

ln testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

GEO. SOUTHARD. Witnesses:

E. O. Fermi, J. E. LUDLUM. 

